REVIEWS ARCHIVE
Original reader reviews of Larry Dixon’s Cabin. This page serves as the master archive of reader feedback. Preserve the original wording of reviews wherever possible.
REVIEWS
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
Readers have been drawn into the mystery of Canoe Lake, the intertwined stories of 1917 and 1977, and the enduring questions surrounding the death of Tom Thomson.
“The Tom Thomson mystery may never be fully solved, but this is as close as the court of public opinion can get.”
— Roy MacGregor
★★★★★
WONDERFUL READ
Larry Dixon's Cabin centers on a what truly happened to Tom Thompson, a famous painter. With every page a new clue developes to keep you turning the next page. The book takes you to a small town in Ontario with beautiful surroundings.I hope the authors continue to write more Canadian mysteries.
— Paula, Victoria
June 22, 2026
★★★★★
WE NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS!
This is a well done piece of literature. I very much enjoyed this book, the author(s) keep you in suspense unraveling the mystery slowly and meticulously. The depth of research done is very obvious and the events throughout the book would seem to be factual or when it's not possible, they seem plausible. Like most Canadians I had some idea of who Tom Thompson was but nothing of his demise and intrigue surrounding it.We need more books like this that focus and expound on our history north of the 49th parallel.
— John Scott, Victoria
June 22, 2026
★★★★★
WELL DONE!
I quite enjoyed this historical mystery, the dual timeline is particularly captivating. The vivid descriptions of the landscape had me feeling very immersed. Has left me pondering the true fate of Tom Thomson. Congratulations to the authors - well done, well written!
— Deborah
Goodreads Review • August 5, 2026
★★★★★
A MUST READ!
Reviewed Amazon.ca on May 13, 2026 Format: Kindle Edition.
I really enjoyed the kindle edition of this book :) The story is very well written - I had never heard of Tom Thomson and yet he is part of Canadian history. It was neat to go back in time to 1917 and visualize what that time was like. Admittedly, I was quite surprised by the ending and the "whodunit" theory but when you put the pieces together, it makes sense and is totally plausible. Highly recommended read!
— “Coastal Girl,” Victoria, British Columbia
Amazon.ca • Kindle Edition • May 13, 2026
★★★★★
A TRUE PAGE-TURNER FROM START TO FINISH
I recently finished Larry Dixon's Cabin and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story explores the mysterious 1917 death of famed Canadian painter Tom Thomson, weaving together history, mystery, and vivid storytelling in a way that completely drew me in.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its rich descriptions from the landscapes, the paintings, the people, all so vividly written that I felt transported to Algonquin Park alongside the characters. The novel also opened up a fascinating piece of Canadiana history that I realized I knew far too little about.
I especially loved the way the story moved between 1917 and 1977, gradually uncovering clues surrounding Thomson’s death. By the end, I felt both enlightened and convinced that his death may not have been an accident at all, but something far more sinister.
A true page-turner from start to finish. Any book that makes me feel as though I’m actually there with the characters is my benchmark for a wonderful read, and this one absolutely delivered.
— Janice, Kingston, Ontario
May 6, 2026
★★★★★
TIME TRAVEL
"I have to admit that I was only aware of Tom Thomson as a Canadian artist and honorary member of the Group of Seven. It’s strange that his death is still the most talked about aspect of his too short life. This book is a fun way to tell a story and inform the reader about the intricacies of the Canadian art world during Tom Tomson’s time. “Larry Dixon’s Cabin” is an intricate, well developed storyline that gives the reader a history lesson wrapped up in a mystery novel.
In this fast-paced world that we live in, a novel needs to capture a reader and keep the reader engaged. This book definitely does that. Thanks for opening my eyes to an important chapter in Canadian art history."
— Catherine Steele, Victoria, British Columbia
October 2025
★★★★★
LOVED IT
"Reporter Jeff O'Brian isn't exactly thrilled when his editor sends him to an art gallery to write a puff piece about an artist he knows little about--Tom Thomson, whose mysterious death, and even more mysterious approach to painting--has captivated the art world.
At the gallery, he learns that a woman in the community owns a piece of Thomson's art, and he makes it part of his story to meet her and try to discover just why Thomson gave her the art work, and what she knows about him. The saga begins. And unfolds.
his is a complex, well-written, intriguing book, one that was difficult for this reader to put down. I admire the author's skill in describing places and situations in minute details, allowing the reader to imagine exactly what the scenes and situations he wants to depict in the reader's imagination."
— Wanda Adams Fischer, New York, USA
January 15, 2026
★★★★★
CAPTIVATING
"An engaging story with characters and content. Whether or not Tom Thomson was the reason you started the story, the narrative keeps you reading. The intertwining of what is known about Thomson's death combined with some excellent creativity makes for a compelling mystery; with some added satisfaction for those who know the history."
— Troy Martin, Bracebridge, Ontario
January 20, 2026
★★★★★
CLEVER MYSTERY
Larry Dixon’s Cabin is a well‑written and deeply entertaining novel that moves smoothly between 1977 Toronto and the WWI‑era world of Algonquin Park. I loved how it blended a clever mystery with rich Canadiana, giving me a vivid sense of Tom Thomson’s life and legacy while keeping the story funny, sharp, and engaging. It’s a smart, witty read that brings Canadian history to life in a way that feels effortless and memorable.
— John Drazic, Nanoose, British Columbia
March 2026
★★★★★
A GREAT READ
“Based on both fact and fiction, the descriptions are vivid and I felt immersed in their daily lives in their beautiful and often peaceful surroundings. I highly recommend this book. It is a great read and leaves me wanting to research more about the cast of characters and the untimely death of Mr. Thomson.”
— Carole L., Ottawa, Ontario June 4/2026
Amazon.ca
A GEM OF A BOOK!
“It had everything needed for a thrilling page turner and more. The characters were vivid and engaging. The research that was completed was evident on every single page. I could see the story, the vistas and the artwork as though I was there IRL.”
— MFitz August 14/2026
Amazon.ca
★★★★★
WHAT A PAINTING CAN CONJURE
“These two storylines allow the reader to move between time periods, ultimately coming together in a manner that examines this fascinating Canadian mystery from multiple angles while honouring Thomson’s legacy with historical fiction and thoughtful storytelling.”
— Kent Laforme, Victoria, British Columbia. March 2/2026
Reader Review
★★★★★
WICKED SMART
“Two interesting timelines? Tom Thomson? A mystery? I’m all in! I was eager to read this novel, and it did not disappoint. Well researched, well written and suspenseful, the characters and setting just come alive: I was there on the train to Huntsville, having dinner at Mowat Lodge, paddling on Canoe Lake, and oh those paintings!
This is a must read for art and history buffs and anyone looking for a twisty mystery with well crafted characters, a vivid setting and a compelling plot. It’s a great read!”
— Sue Morris, Muskoka, Ontario January 24/2026
Reader Review